Fire guts Detroit apartments; 2 die

Eleven injured in four-alarm blaze

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DETROIT — A four-alarm fire gutted an apartment building Sunday morning, killing two people and injuring at least 11 others, some of whom suffered broken bones when they jumped out windows, authorities said.

Firefighters said the blaze likely started at about 6:30 a.m. on the fourth floor and spread quickly, producing flames and thick black smoke that trapped many residents.

A 4-year-old boy died from smoke inhalation after being rescued, Fire Department Lt. Kwaku Atara said. Several hours later, investigators found the body of a 30-year-old woman, said Fire Chief William Fairweather.

About 30 of the building’s 46 apartments were rented. Firefighters did not immediately know how many people were in the building, and were going through a tenant list to determine if anyone was missing, Atara said.

“There were a lot of rescues made, hand ladders put up, guys did a valiant effort, but the fire gained a little headway on us when we were in rescue mode,” Fire Chief William Fairweather said.

Fairweather said a firefighter was among the injured, and eight residents required hospital treatment.